Regional Animal Welfare Strategy for Asia, the Far East and Oceania
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has provided significant international leadership in the development of the 'Regional Animal Welfare Strategy: Asia, the Far East and Oceania' (the RAWS) in association with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The strategy was endorsed by the OIE International Committee in May 2008.
In November 2007, 37 participants from 12 countries in the Asian region and three international organisations participated in a successful Animal Welfare Workshop. The workshop endorsed nine recommendations that included supporting the development of a broad-based strategic plan to implement the OIE Guidelines for Animal Welfare in the region. A writing group was established and met in February 2008 to draft the RAWS. In May 2008 the OIE Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania and the OIE International Committee endorsed the RAWS and plans to develop an implementation plan.
The RAWS provides OIE member countries with a direction for future improvements in animal welfare standards and practices through education, regulation and research and development.
Key to the success of the RAWS is the development of practical and applied implementation processes and the ongoing support of governments, welfare organisations, practitioners, scientists and industry. DAFF hosted and funded a Workshop in November 2008 and drafted a broad based implementation plan. Coordination mechanisms and endorsement procedures were also discussed. Seven regional countries, two international organisations and representatives from industry participated in the workshop. The RAWS Implementation Plan will be submitted to the OIE Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania and the OIE International Committee for consideration and endorsement in May 2009.
The Implementation Working Group agreed that the RAWS could only provide general guidance and that more detailed strategies would need to be developed by individual countries in the region based on their priorities and needs.
The OIE recognises animal welfare as a complex, multifaceted international public policy issue with scientific, economic, religious, regional and cultural dimensions. Animal welfare is increasingly important to consumers and communities. Australia is committed to working with our trading partners and neighbouring countries to improve their animal welfare standards and practices.
Regional Animal Welfare Strategy: Asia, the Far East and Oceania 
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For more details contact the Animal Welfare Branch in DAFF.
